2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
This might sound counterintuitive, but I would say to include classes like world history to get exposure to other backgrounds. History is full of traumatic events and how groups of people coped with collective trauma. It can help develop your sense for how people cope with difficult situations. If you're going to be a shrink, you might be in school for a longer time, so I'd recommend researching which colleges you are considering attending and then look up which AP classes they allow to substitute for their courses. The sooner you can complete your degree, the less debt you'll take on and the sooner you can get to the career side of things. Lastly, one difference between psychology and psychiatry is that psychiatry involves prescribing medication, so it might be a good idea to take courses in chemistry as well and build the foundation for understanding the effects of medication.
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
I think its really great that you are starting early to decide on how you can get a head start knowledge on what you want to do as a career. My school offered AP Psychology which definitely helped me understand why people feel the way they do and the ability to label the parts of the brain that functions in certain human behaviors. History will also definitely give you a leg up on what you need to know so you can understand cultures from all walks of life. I will say you may not take a not of classes related directly to psychology in high school compared to all the classes you will take in college. However, I am sure you will find a class to base your career in high school.
Good Luck,
Brandon
Good Luck,
Brandon